DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
There’s a popular saying around the Edcouch-Elsa fieldhouse: Winners don’t wait for chances, they take them.
“That sums up Nate,” E-E coach Joe Marichalar said.
“Nate” is senior strong safety Nathaniel Rodriguez, one of the leaders of the Yellowjackets’ defense. Rodriguez is second on the team in total tackles, with 107, and also has an interception, fumble recovery and a fumble caused to go with seven tackles for a loss.
“He’d be up there with being one of the more athletic kids we have,” Marichalar said. “It was just a matter of time before he started having big-time games.”
Marichalar said Friday night, when Edcouch-Elsa romped Brownsville Pace 41-7, was a perfect indicator of Rodriguez’s talent.
The 5-foot-8, 170-pounder had 17 total tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and a fumble caused.
“He’s a hitter,” Marichalar said. “He loves contact and he’s very aggressive and is very physical. He wants that. If opponents fall into it, they cater into what he likes. He’s a fighter.”
A first-team all-district pick at his position last season, Rodriguez is taking more risks and is more accountable this season under second-year secondary coach Victor Cardenas.
“His style of play was visible last year,” Marichalar said. “You can easily mistake him on film for a linebacker. He likes to creep up and stay close to the box. He thinks he can take on the world. He’s got that mentality.”
EMERGING
Mission Veterans Memorial’s defense has not been without its issues this season, allowing 32.3 points on 434.9 yards per game, but it also has not been without bright spots.
One of those is sophomore linebacker Joey Garcia. A converted receiver/quarterback, Garcia is averaging 9.9 tackles and has a sack and fumble caused. He leads the defense with 14 quarterback hurries.
“He’s got a good burst and he’s got a nose for the ball,” Mission Vets coach David Gilpin said. “He’s got good football sense. I always thought linebacker would be his best fit. He had a great spring and he really took off and earned a varsity spot.”
Garcia has started all season for the Patriots, who entered 2016 with one returning starter. Gilpin said Garcia has great feet and a feel for the game beyond his years.
Gilpin said Garcia does well getting to the point of attack, but has a tendency to miss some tackles.
“He’s young, so he makes mistakes,” Gilpin said. “He can take plays off sometimes, but he’s starting to eliminate those things. When he gets to playing every play at full speed, he’ll be more and more effective.”
RUN, RUN D-BACKS
Defense has always been a staple for Sharyland Pioneer since it started varsity football in 2014.
This season, as the Diamondbacks are all but assured of their first postseason berth, the offense has finally matched up.
The Diamondbacks are averaging 245 rushing yards, complementing a stingy defense that has 16 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries with an offense that moves the chains and controls the clock. Pioneer averaged just 103 rushing yards last season.
“Anytime we rush for over 200 yards, I think we have a chance to beat anybody,” Pioneer coach Jason Wheeler said. “The running game is more consistent to an offense. When I was a younger coach in Austin, (former UT coach) Mack Brown walks into our room during a clinic and told us there’s a lot more Earl Campbells than Roger Staubachs. He told us you better run the ball or stop the run.
“The run game has given us a big momentum swing, and we know every time we get a turnover we have a chance to score touchdowns.”
The Diamondbacks have three capable ballcarriers in backs Christian Rivera and Michael Benavides, and quarterback Jacob Rosales. They have combined for 1,564 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The fact that the Diamondbacks have been successful running the ball even without No. 1 back Brandon Casas, who suffered a season-ending injury during the preseason, has made it all the more impressive.
Rivera, a former outside linebacker, is a downhill runner, while Benavides has quicker feet.
“Anytime you have competition at the running back position, it’s good,” Wheeler said. “I don’t care what level of the game. If they mess up, they know there’s always somebody there to fill in.”